$ETH

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of co-founders, Ethereum introduced programmability to blockchain technology, allowing for a wide range of applications beyond digital currencies. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used to facilitate transactions and computational services on the network. Ethereum has been instrumental in the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), providing the infrastructure for these innovations. The platform's transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, known as Ethereum 2.0, aims to enhance scalability, security, and energy efficiency. As of March 2025, Ethereum continues to be a leading platform in the blockchain space, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of developers and users.